FRANKFORT, Ky. – First Lady Glenna Fletcher visited Miles Elementary School in Erlanger today to announce $34,650 in funding for the Miles Elementary Family Resource Center, one of 18 new family resource and youth services center (FRYSCs) projects statewide.

Additionally, the First Lady announced $34,650 in funding for the new Lloyd High School Youth Services Center in the Elsmere-Erlanger School District.

Created by the 1990 Kentucky Education Reform Act, FRYSCs help students succeed in the classroom by connecting families and students to local social, family, health and other assistance resources. Family resource centers serve elementary schools and youth services centers serve middle and high schools.

Kentucky’s FRYSC network is the largest school-based family support initiative in the nation.

“Kentucky is committed to investing in the future of our children and school-based family support programs are a wise investment that will continue to pay dividends long after children graduate from school,” said First Lady Glenna Fletcher. “It is my pleasure to be here at Miles Elementary today to make these announcements and to wish the new centers much success.”

Family resource and youth services centers serve schools where at least 20 percent of students qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. Centers receive annual funding based on $210 per student who qualifies for free school meals. At Miles Elementary, 35.4 percent of students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. At Lloyd High School, 33.4 percent of students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) administers the FRYSCs in collaboration with the Kentucky Department of Education and local school administrators, educators and support staff.

“Academic success depends on many factors and the FRYSCs help address health, social and related factors that often can impede a child’s progress in school,” said CHFS Secretary Mark D. Birdwhistell. “We are delighted this funding will extend valuable FRYSC programs and services to more Kentucky students and their families.”

More than 820 centers operate around the state, serving more than 613,000 public school students and their families.